NFL "Week 16" Talkback

[The Penguin]

NFL Network brings two games before Sunday that offer risks for two leading teams and little reward for their opponents. Tonight, the Steelers will face the Rams. Pittsburgh is tied at 9-5 with Cleveland in the AFC North although they do hold the tie-breaker. A win will help solidify the Super Bowl XL Champions. St. Louis sits at 3-11, looking at a very high draft pick.

Saturday will see the Cowboys take on the Panthers. Dallas is reeling from their loss last week as they try to earn home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs over Green Bay. Carolina is actually playing for something too. The only 6-8 team not knocked out by Minnesota's win Monday, the Panthers have a shot, albeit a small one, at the post season.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/nfltb.jpgWEEK 16
Thursday, December 20
PIT @ STL, 8:00 PM

Saturday, December 22
DAL @ CAR, 8:00 PM

Sunday, December 23
NYG @ BUF, 1:00 PM
OAK @ JAC, 1:00 PM
PHI @ NO, 1:00 PM
GB @ CHI, 1:00 PM
CLE @ CIN, 1:00 PM
KC @ DET, 1:00 PM
HOU @ IND, 1:00 PM
ATL @ ARI, 4:05 PM
TB @ SF, 4:05 PM
NYJ @ TEN, 4:15 PM
MIA @ NE, 4:15 PM
BAL @ SEA, 4:15 PM

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/80x60/was.gif @ http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/nfl/teams/1/80x60/min.gif, 8:15 PM

Monday, December 24
DEN @ SD, 8:00 PM

[MasterDartz]

I hope the Rams win. ;) I want Cleveland to get the division. We deserve it.

[Lazerboy5000]

I wonder how Dallas will do this week. They almost lost 2 weeks ago, and they did lose last week. I'm really looking foward to see it the Cowboys will play like the 12-2 team their record says... or the joke like the past few weeks.

[Ajax]

I wonder how Dallas will do this week. They almost lost 2 weeks ago, and they did lose last week. I'm really looking foward to see it the Cowboys will play like the 12-2 team their record says... or the joke like the past few weeks.What I wont ever understand is why people say things like that. The Patriots should of lost to those same Eagles, and they should of lost to Baltimore and they played like crap against the Jets yet everyone pole rides them? Romo conducts a pretty damn good comeback against the Lions and then has a bad game (i seem to remember Favre having one this year against these Cowboys) and now everyone questions whether there a good team? Like I said ill never understand **** like this.

[Lazerboy5000]

What I wont ever understand is why people say things like that. The Patriots should of lost to those same Eagles, and they should of lost to Baltimore and they played like crap against the Jets yet everyone pole rides them? Romo conducts a pretty damn good comeback against the Lions and then has a bad game (i seem to remember Favre having one this year against these Cowboys) and now everyone questions whether there a good team? Like I said ill never understand **** like this.
One word: Momentum.

Teams rely on momentum throughout the season. That's why teams on a winning streak tend to stay on a winning streak (i.e. Packers, Cowboys, Patriots). Not much else behind why people say that.

[Ajax]

One word: Momentum.

Teams rely on momentum throughout the season. That's why teams on a winning streak tend to stay on a winning streak (i.e. Packers, Cowboys, Patriots). Not much else behind why people say that.Whats funny is the Cowboys made a trend of this. You beat a team by one point on the road then you lose the next game at home. Cowboys beat the Bills on the road then lose to the Patriots....beat the Lions on the road then lose to the Eagles at home...werid. Theyll be fine

[RAINMAN]

The steelers finaly get back on the winning track but loseing fastman willie was a huge blow to them. Well unlike other teams the steelers don`t count on one man to win games for them.

[Ajax]

The steelers finaly get back on the winning track but loseing fastman willie was a huge blow to them. Well unlike other teams the steelers don`t count on one man to win games for them.Not many teams rely on a running back to carry them (especially since so many teams have a two back system) so you saying teh Steelers dont count on one man to win doesnt really say much. Id say only the Chargers would be effected if they ever lost LT. But seriously we all saw what happened to the Steelers when "Ben" was hurt last year, they went 8-8 (had a losing record for most of the season), so Id say yeah the Steelers do rely on one man to win games, but it sure as hell aint Willie Parker.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PIT/PIT_logo-80x90.gif (10-5) Pittsburgh Steelers 41
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/STL/STL_logo-80x90.gif (3-12) St. Louis Rams 24
This game was closer than I thought it'd be. I didn't actually watch it, as I was watching the Poinsettia Bowl, but I checked it out occasionally during the commercial breaks and was shocked to see a 31-24 score at one point. The Rams offense seems to have been re-established. Now they only need some defense to show up.

A Cleveland loss on Sunday will secure the Steelers the division title.

[Bones Justice]

The Steelers hesitated just a little after losing Parker to injury then carried on as if nothing was wrong at all. They did seem to pass more, though. And you're right, the Rams defense was non-existant. The Steelers were moving up and down the field at will.

Good halftime ceremony for Marshall Faulk. He's a real class act.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DAL/DAL_logo-80x90.gif (13-2) Dallas Cowboys 20
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CAR/CAR_logo-80x90.gif (6-9) Carolina Panthers 13
Both Terrell Owens and Steve Smith were able to score touchdowns before injuries forced them out of the game, and Pro Bowl RB Marion Barber was able to rush for three first downs in the final three minutes to seal the Cowboys close road win. This is only the second time all year Dallas has failed to score 24 points, both in the last two games, but considering the production Austin and Hurd gave them in place of Owens, Dallas did deserve to win. Questionable calls were abundant on both sides during the game, but in the end Dallas was able to say we can clinch homefield with a Bears upset of Green Bay.

As for the Panthers, they may have found their future QB in Matt Moore, if he can actually raise that completion percentage, as he was able to move the Panthers more than 60 yards for 10 points. It was a failed TD pass to Smith, which would have been Smith's second of the game, which was ultimately the difference.

[The Penguin]

It's nearly go time for the NFL playoffs with just two weeks of regular season games left. Earlier this week, the Steelers pulled ahead of the Browns in the AFC North with a win over the Rams, Pittsburgh does hold the tie-breaker. And on Saturday, the Cowboys got a win, needing just a Packers loss or another win for themselves for NFC home advantage. Carolina's loss mathematically removed them from the playoff picture.

In the AFC today, we know New England, Indianapolis and San Diego are in as their division winners. Today Cleveland plays Cincinnati in their effort to catch and pass Pittsburgh. The team that doesn't win the division seems likely for a wild card spot, although 8-6 Tennessee is still in there and hosting NY Jets this afternoon. Jacksonville will be officially in with a win over Oakland.

And in the NFC we have Dallas, Green Bay, Seattle and Tampa Bay all with their division titles. The Packers need to win in Chicago today to keep the pressure on Dallas over homefield advantage, but the Cowboys hold the tie-breaker with their win earlier this season. NY Giants are still hanging on to the wild card lead, but they need to get back to winning or risk being passed by Minnesota, who requires no help to get in. Needing some help are Washington and New Orleans. The Redskins will hope to create their own help when they play the Vikings tonight on NBC.

Then on Monday, wait up for Santa by watching San Diego take on Denver.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/nfltb.jpg

[The CN WB Kid]

Bears are doing real well against the Packers; the defensive resurgence they started last week against the Vikings continues. Plus, it's almost half and we're up by 6. Excellent.

I also agree on the Browns deserving the title. My top 3 teams are Bears/Browns/Eagles, so I'd love to see a Brown Bear battle. But I'll have to wait for next season. I would be happy with the Browns making the Bowl, but I, unfortunately, don't see it as likely.

[bigddan11]

Thank you Chicago. Sure, the Bears may suck this year, but they supported my team when they needed to.
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/GB/GB_logo-80x90.gif (12-3) Green Bay Packers 07
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CHI/CHI_logo-80x90.gif (6-9) Chicago Bears 35

Dallas has now clinched home field throughout the NFC Playoffs. The disadvantage- Dallas is 6-2 at home, but they are 7-0 on the road.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CLE/CLE_logo-80x90.gif (9-6) Cleveland Browns 14
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/CIN/CIN_logo-80x90.gif (6-9) Cincinnati Bengals 19
This loss hurts the Browns and makes it where they need Tennessee to lose if they are to have a chance as Tennessee owns the tiebreaker. Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North title also with the loss.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/OAK/OAK_logo-80x90.gif (4-11) Oakland Raiders 11
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/JAC/JAC_logo-80x90.gif (11-4) Jacksonville Jaguars 49
Jacksonville clinches the #5 seed in the AFC.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NYG/NYG_logo-80x90.gif (10-5) New York Giants 38
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/BUF/BUF_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) Buffalo Bills 21
NY Giants clinch the #5 seed in the NFC.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/HOU/HOU_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) Houston Texans 15
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/IND/IND_logo-80x90.gif (13-2) Indianapolis Colts 38

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/KC/KC_logo-80x90.gif (4-11) Kansas City Chiefs 20
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DET/DET_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) Detroit Lions 25
Lions end their 6 game losing streak, but it's a bit too late as they are out of the playoff hunt.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/PHI/PHI_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) Philadelphia Eagles 38
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NO/NO_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) New Orleans Saints 23
The Saints loss eliminates them if Minnesota beats Washington tonight on SNF. McNabb also shws he's one of the best QB's when he's healthy.

[Beat]

The Giants absolutely love to scare me it seems. They can't get it going until the second half.

[Lord Dalek]

And it appears the Pats are going to go 15-0 (unless they totally choke in the second half).

[Lazerboy5000]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFF
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'MMMMMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEDDDDDOO OOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEDDDDDDDDDDDDD

*smashes tv*

*fixes tv*

*punches pillow repetedly*

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lord Dalek]

^and the rivalry continues...

[Lazerboy5000]

^and the rivalry continues...
*sigh*

It sure does.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NYJ/NYJ_logo-80x90.gif (3-12) New York Jets 06
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TEN/TEN_logo-80x90.gif (9-6) Tennessee Titans 10
Titans control there own destiny- Win next week and they get the #6 seed. The opposition though will be the Colts.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/BAL/BAL_logo-80x90.gif (4-11) Baltimore Ravens 06
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SEA/SEA_logo-80x90.gif (10-5) Seattle Seahawks 27
Seattle clinches the #3 seed position.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIA/MIA_logo-80x90.gif (1-14) Miami Dolphins 07
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/NE/NE_logo-80x90.gif (15-0) New England Patriots 28
Finally we see Bellichik sit his starters in the second half.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/ATL/ATL_logo-80x90.gif (3-12) Atlanta Falcons 27
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/ARI/ARI_logo-80x90.gif (7-8) Arizona Cardinals 30
The Cards defense has disappeared, and with it any playoff shot. At least they finally beat a team they should.

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/TB/TB_logo-80x90.gif (9-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SF/SF_logo-80x90.gif (5-10) San Francisco 49ers 21
The 49ers have almost doubled their win count in the last two games. The loss assures Tampa a faceoff with the NY Giants in the Wild Card round. With both teams struggling, it could mean the Giants advance, especially since they have the better record.

Updated playoff standings will be shown after SNF- and a Vikings win will clinch them the playoff birth with the Saints having lost. A Redskins win keeps New Orleans hopes alive but allows the Redskins to control their own destiny.

[Punisher]

Man, what a beating. This is the first game this year where I didn't care enough to see the beginning and only checked in from time to time, but geesh. You'd think the Ravens would have a little bit of pride left and put up something resembling an effort against the Seahawks. Alas, it was not to be. Troy Smith looked pretty good, but if Billick is back next year, he'll start Kyle Boller until his arm falls off. Now, I've defended Kyle earlier this year, but I just don't think he's gonna take this team anywhere and we have nothling to lose but keeping Troy Smith in. But it would be stupid to say Kyle Boller is the only problem we have.

Bleh. Hopefully the Steelers will take it easy next week and sit their starters after the first quarter, because the game will be over by then. Oh, and here's hoping the Giants stop New England.

[Ajax]

*sigh*

It sure does.
You know whats funny? Everyone kept saying the Packers were a better team then the Cowboys the last three weeks. Not that i disagree with that, but **** we didnt get our asses handed to us like Green Bay did.

This also raises an interesting inquiry. Why would the Packers want homefield advantage? Brett Farve looked like a fish out of water and not a QB from the cold as hell north who should be accustomed to horrible conditions. If anything it seems bad weather can neutralize the Packers great passing attack and with no running game in visible sight (Grant is a good running back but hes by no means what you could consider a workhorse) can the Packers actually win in Lambo? Of course now Farve might have to take that 0-9 record vs Dallas on the rode (if the Packers make it that far and of course if the Cowboys make it that far).


Oh, and here's hoping the Giants stop New EnglandHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No seriously heres hoping the Giant dont get blown out.

[Lord Dalek]

I think its interesting to see the Dolphins' defense became the first we've seen all season to crack that great mystery: how the heck do you keep the Pats scoreless for not only a whole quarter but a whole half. Shame it did them no good as the Offense kept shooting themselves in the foot.

[Samhaine]

And you're right, the Rams defense was non-existant. The Steelers were moving up and down the field at will.
The Steelers' defense has been pretty nonexistant for weeks now, as well, which is why the score was as close as it was. That and the offensive line outright refuses to block half the time, letting up sack after sack. Week after week, I've been getting frustrated with how terrible they've been looking.

And as a side note, there's no way they're making it through the playoffs without Parker. It simply will not happen.

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/WAS/WAS_logo-80x90.gif (8-7) Washington Redskins 32
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/MIN/MIN_logo-80x90.gif (8-7) Minnesota Vikings 21
This loss hurts Minnesota and gives Washington control of their own destiny, but a game against Dallas is what will determine the fate of the 'Skins, Vikings, and Saints. The playoff scenarios are posted below:

AFC East:
z- (15-0) New England Patriots
(7-8) Buffalo Bills
(3-12) New York Jets
(1-14) Miami Dolphins

AFC North:
y- (10-5) Pittsburgh Steelers
(9-6) Cleveland Browns
(6-9) Cincinnati Bengals
(4-11) Baltimore Ravens

AFC South:
y- (13-2) Indianapolis Colts
x- (11-4) Jacksonville Jaguars
(9-6) Tennessee Titans
(7-8) Houston Texans

AFC West:
y- (9-5) San Diego Chargers
(6-8) Denver Broncos
(4-11) Oakland Raiders
(4-11) Kansas City Chiefs

NFC East:
z- (13-2) Dallas Cowboys
x- (10-5) New York Giants
(8-7) Washington Redskins
(7-8) Philadelphia Eagles

NFC North:
y- (12-3) Green Bay Packers
(8-7) Minnesota Vikings
(7-8) Detroit Lions
(6-9) Chicago Bears

NFC South:
y- (9-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(7-8) New Orleans Saints
(6-9) Carolina Panthers
(3-12) Atlanta Falcons

NFC West:
y- (10-5) Seattle Seahawks
(7-8) Arizona Cardinals
(5-10) San Francisco 49ers
(3-12) St. Louis Rams

x- Clinched Playoff Spot
y- Clinched Division
z- Clinched Conference Regular Season Title

Playoffs (Bolded Teams have clinched that spot)
AFC:
1) New England- Bye
2) Indianapolis- Bye
3) Pittsburgh* vs. 6) Tennessee/ Cleveland*
4) San Diego* vs. 5) Jacksonville
*- A Chargers win will move them back into the #3 spot. Tennessee controls their own destiny. If they win they make the playoffs, but if they lose, then Cleveland makes the playoffs- win or lose.

NFC:
1) Dallas- Bye
2) Green Bay- Bye
3) Seattle vs. 6) Washington/ Minnesota/ New Orleans*
4) Tampa Bay vs. 5) New York Giants
*- If Washington beats Dallas, they make the playoffs. If Minnesota beats Denver and Washington losses, Minnesota goes to the playoffs. If New Orleans beats Chicago and both Washington and Minnesota lose, they get the #6 seed. Losses by all three teams puts Washington in the playoffs.

[The Penguin]

I have a special treat for all of you, I have found a memo Joe Gibbs sent out to his team earlier this week…

To: All Washington Redskins personnel
From: Head Coach Joe Gibbs
Re: Strategy this Sunday vs. Minnesota

Stop run
Throw passes
- JG

[BackLash]

The Steelers' defense has been pretty nonexistant for weeks now, as well, which is why the score was as close as it was. That and the offensive line outright refuses to block half the time, letting up sack after sack. Week after week, I've been getting frustrated with how terrible they've been looking.

And as a side note, there's no way they're making it through the playoffs without Parker. It simply will not happen.

While the O-Line had done better, I think you're putting too much emphasis on Willie Parker. I feel their running game is strong enough to go through at most two games at least one in the playoffs.

[Tanooki]

I have a special treat for all of you, I have found a memo Joe Gibbs sent out to his team earlier this week…

To: All Washington Redskins personnel
From: Head Coach Joe Gibbs
Re: Strategy this Sunday vs. Minnesota


Stop run
Throw passes- JGfunny 'cause true. i expected this to happen, though. all the "analysts" were harping about how the vikes are impressive for getting five wins in a row, but as it was stated before, the wins came against teams that weren't that good. so, the vikes go up against a good team and look what happens

[Ajax]

so, the vikes go up against a good team and look what happensNot to drive your point any further but uh Redskins aint a team you would consider good, not with half its secondary either hurt or not in this plane of existence, not to mention there QB is hurt and his replacement hadnt started a NFL game in 10 years.

You know all year i kept defending the fact that the NFC had caught up to the AFC but obviously that's like never going to like happen. If the Jaguars were in the NFC they'd be a three seed maybe a two seed. Its horrible to think that the Redskins, Viking, and Saints can all still be in Playoff contention while two 9-6 teams in the AFC are in the same exact poistion (a team that actually finished 10-6 might not be able to go).

[bigddan11]

http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/DEN/DEN_logo-80x90.gif (6-9) Denver Broncos 03
http://static.nfl.com/static/site/img/teams/SD/SD_logo-80x90.gif (10-5) San Diego Chargers 22
I mentioned last week that I didn't like a team playing on Thursday Night Football and then moving to Monday Night Football, but this is two weeks in a row they've done exactly that. Denver was hurt by the outcome as it assured them a losing season, and San Diego has moved into the #3 spot again. The battle for #3 is interesting since the #4 seed has to face Jacksonville in the Wild Card Round.

[Ajax]

San Diego has moved into the #3 spot again. The battle for #3 is interesting since the #4 seed has to face Jacksonville in the Wild Card Round.
Speaking of San Diego...I really feel bad for this team. Its actually quite funny cause ESPN.com's page 2 writer Bill Simmons called it, saying even with San Diegos bad start they could still reel off a bunch of victories because of the easy schedual they would play in the mid season but also saying that because there coached by Norv Turner there pretty much doomed.

[RAINMAN]

I think its interesting to see the Dolphins' defense became the first we've seen all season to crack that great mystery: how the heck do you keep the Pats scoreless for not only a whole quarter but a whole half. Shame it did them no good as the Offense kept shooting themselves in the foot.


More like the pats shut themselves out for trying to be greedy and brake records. It`s one thing to throw to moss in double covearge but to throw to him whit 3 or more men on Him? That freaking crazy. I have nothing againts them wanting to brake records but to do it in a game that was over before it even started is just stupid. Greed will lead to their downfall if the pats keep acting like this.




Why is everyone shock at the browns losing to the bengales? Browns may not be a bad team anymore but there still lots of room for improvement. And why do they deserve the Div title? They have not won one sinse the 80`s.

[Wing Zero]

Ugh Gumble. First it was "Rick Romo", "Paytrick Craton", Marion Barber on the Packers..what's next for him? "Randy Moss just scored a TD for the Giants!"